Current structure in the upper layers of the Arabian Sea during southwest monsoon

Abstract

Circulation pattern in the Arabian Sea is derived from computation of acceleration potential at 2 isanosteric surfaces (400 and 200 cl/t) using oceanographic data obtained during the International Indian Ocean Expedition. As the current structure in the upper layers of the Arabian Sea varies from season to season, the study is limited to the southwest monsoon, when the surface circulation in the North Indian Ocean differs very much from the other 2 major oceans. Maps showing the distribution of acceleration potential at 400 and 200 cl/t surfaces are presented. Distribution of the thickness of the layer between 10 cl/t above and 10 cl/t below each surface is also presented in order to gain quantitative information about the water volume, water flux and stability according to characteristics.